Documentation challenges us to think about tomorrow's problems today. (A Re-write)
One of the aspects I enjoy most as a coach is finding ways to transform unavoidable yet unenjoyable tasks. My goal is to automate or change my perspective on these tasks, turning them from something I dread into opportunities for growth and success.
Documentation is one such task that falls into this category. We all recognize the value of documentation. We've all experienced situations where a little explanation in the documentation would have saved us significant time and effort. The success or failure of teams, projects, code, and communities often depends on the ability of those doing the work today to anticipate and provide answers to questions that may arise in the future. By looking beyond the immediate needs and considering what might matter tomorrow, you can set yourself apart and build trust, paving the way for a thriving career.
Adopting this mindset not only benefits others but also serves your own interests. It has happened countless times: a CTO and a developer grappling with legacy code, frustrated and tormented. The CTO vents frustration at the supposed incompetence of the person who wrote the code, only to realize that they are the culprit. We often think we will remember everything and don't need to document, but without leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for ourselves, we are bound to forget. Taking the time to write clear and concise documentation is a gift to our future selves. It enables us to make changes, improvements, and project evolution quickly and effortlessly. Clear documentation prevents us from wasting time and effort on details that could easily be navigated with a simple reference.
If you're interested in improving your documentation efforts and showing kindness to yourself, here are some simple hacks that can make a significant difference:
Use clear language: While having a robust vocabulary is valuable, when it comes to conveying information effectively, simplicity is key. Strive to write at a level that even a child could understand, removing unnecessary barriers.
Know your audience: Asking yourself a few simple questions can go a long way. Who is the intended audience for this documentation? What problems can it help them avoid? What will they need to do with this code in the future? How can you address their potential questions?
Format for easy viewing: Large blocks of text can strain the eyes and make it difficult to quickly scan and find useful information. Consider the purpose and audience of your documentation and structure it accordingly. Use bullet points, clear headings, ample white space, and concise sentences.
Utilize AI tools: AI-powered tools can analyze your code, interfaces, and systems to automatically generate initial drafts of documentation. Tools like Doxygen, ReadMe Generator, and GitBook can scan your code and provide outlines, overviews, and starter content for your documentation. This saves time and ensures that crucial information is captured. You can then review, edit, and expand upon the initial draft. Another valuable resource is MarkDoc.
Reward yourself for a job well done: At the end of each week, take a moment to evaluate the amount of documentation you've produced. Set a target for yourself and reward yourself when you achieve it. Transform it into a satisfying challenge that motivates you, and soon it will become a habit.
When high-quality documentation becomes ingrained in your work culture, you create an environment where knowledge and best practices are shared, rather than isolated. Embrace the mindset of being an interdependent contributor rather than an independent coder. Avoid aiming for quick fixes and instead strive to build an environment that can grow and evolve effortlessly. Remember, nothing happens in a vacuum, and incorporating growth into your processes yields remarkable results.
Write Kindly for Future You
Documentation challenges us to think about tomorrow's problems today. (A Re-write)
One of the aspects I enjoy most as a coach is finding ways to transform unavoidable yet unenjoyable tasks. My goal is to automate or change my perspective on these tasks, turning them from something I dread into opportunities for growth and success.
Documentation is one such task that falls into this category. We all recognize the value of documentation. We've all experienced situations where a little explanation in the documentation would have saved us significant time and effort. The success or failure of teams, projects, code, and communities often depends on the ability of those doing the work today to anticipate and provide answers to questions that may arise in the future. By looking beyond the immediate needs and considering what might matter tomorrow, you can set yourself apart and build trust, paving the way for a thriving career.
Adopting this mindset not only benefits others but also serves your own interests. It has happened countless times: a CTO and a developer grappling with legacy code, frustrated and tormented. The CTO vents frustration at the supposed incompetence of the person who wrote the code, only to realize that they are the culprit. We often think we will remember everything and don't need to document, but without leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for ourselves, we are bound to forget. Taking the time to write clear and concise documentation is a gift to our future selves. It enables us to make changes, improvements, and project evolution quickly and effortlessly. Clear documentation prevents us from wasting time and effort on details that could easily be navigated with a simple reference.
If you're interested in improving your documentation efforts and showing kindness to yourself, here are some simple hacks that can make a significant difference:
Use clear language: While having a robust vocabulary is valuable, when it comes to conveying information effectively, simplicity is key. Strive to write at a level that even a child could understand, removing unnecessary barriers.
Know your audience: Asking yourself a few simple questions can go a long way. Who is the intended audience for this documentation? What problems can it help them avoid? What will they need to do with this code in the future? How can you address their potential questions?
Format for easy viewing: Large blocks of text can strain the eyes and make it difficult to quickly scan and find useful information. Consider the purpose and audience of your documentation and structure it accordingly. Use bullet points, clear headings, ample white space, and concise sentences.
Utilize AI tools: AI-powered tools can analyze your code, interfaces, and systems to automatically generate initial drafts of documentation. Tools like Doxygen, ReadMe Generator, and GitBook can scan your code and provide outlines, overviews, and starter content for your documentation. This saves time and ensures that crucial information is captured. You can then review, edit, and expand upon the initial draft. Another valuable resource is MarkDoc.
Reward yourself for a job well done: At the end of each week, take a moment to evaluate the amount of documentation you've produced. Set a target for yourself and reward yourself when you achieve it. Transform it into a satisfying challenge that motivates you, and soon it will become a habit.
When high-quality documentation becomes ingrained in your work culture, you create an environment where knowledge and best practices are shared, rather than isolated. Embrace the mindset of being an interdependent contributor rather than an independent coder. Avoid aiming for quick fixes and instead strive to build an environment that can grow and evolve effortlessly. Remember, nothing happens in a vacuum, and incorporating growth into your processes yields remarkable results.